Palmer quits after revealing involvement in affair

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer has resigned as an MP today after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair.

He made the stunning announcement at a press conference in the PAP headquarters this afternoon.

He said he resigned to "take full responsibility for a grave mistake" and to avoid further embarrassment to the PAP and to Parliament.

He apologised unreservedly and said the relationship was with a staff member of the People's Association working in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair.-- ST PHOTO: JEREMY AU YONG

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair.-- ST PHOTO: JEREMY AU YONG

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair.-- ST PHOTO: JEREMY AU YONG

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair.-- ST PHOTO: JEREMY AU YONG

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair.-- ST PHOTO: JEREMY AU YONG

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair.-- ST PHOTO: JEREMY AU YONG

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer (left), seen here with DPM Teo Chee Hean (right) at a PAP press conference, has resigned as an MP after revealing that he had been involved in an extramarital affair. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

DPM Teo Chee Hean, who was also at the press conference also apologised to residents on behalf of the party and himself.

He said Minister of State and Mayor Teo Ser Luck will oversee the Punggol East constituency.

Mr Zainal Sapari will be the new chairman of the town council and Deputy Speaker Charles Chong will serve as Acting Speaker.